Emergency preparation for egg allergy: what to keep at home

Supplies to keep ready

• Emergency medicine prescribed by a doctor (such as an adrenaline auto-injector), stored as instructed and checked regularly for its expiry date
• A written emergency plan: how to spot the signs, the first step to take, who to contact, and how to give the medicine
• A card or tag stating the allergy information, so others can tell quickly
• A notebook for easy communication: allergen, past reactions, and the time of the most recent episode

What to practise

Family members, teachers, babysitters and other carers should all know where the medicine is kept, how to use it, and when to call 120 (the emergency number in China). It is a good idea to review the plan every six months, check the medicine's expiry date, and run through the steps once. As a child gets older, you can gradually teach them to say "I have an egg allergy" themselves.

Signs that need action straight away

If there is difficulty breathing, wheezing, a tight throat, a hoarse voice, swelling of the lips or tongue, large patches of hives all over the body with feeling unwell, repeated vomiting, paleness or a change in alertness, call 120 (the emergency number in China) at once, give the medicine as set out in the emergency plan, and lay the person flat with the legs raised, turning them on their side if they vomit. Even if the symptoms ease, they still need to be seen by a doctor for observation.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.